Murder Charges Dismissed Against Former Top Thai Leaders

Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister who ordered a bloody crackdown on protesters in 2010 and later encouraged a coup against the elected government, arrives at court on Thursday. In recent weeks, Suthep has become a Buddhist monk.

Narong SangnakEPA/Landov

Originally published on August 28, 2014 11:52 am

A court in Thailand has dismissed murder charges against a former prime minister and his deputy who led anti-government protests that triggered a coup toppling the elected government in May.

Thailand's Criminal Court ruled Thursday that it did not have jurisdiction in the case against former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

"The Criminal Court on Thursday said it was true that the two men had declared the state of emergency and ordered soldiers to crack down on the protesters, and allowed them to use weapons and live ammunition.

"But Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep issued the order while performing the duties of the prime minister and deputy prime minister respectively.

"The Criminal Court, therefore, ruled that the case against the two men comes under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions and that it has no authority to handle the case."

The Post says the case could still be submitted to the country's Supreme Court by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.